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Easy Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe for Four

easy chicken stir-fry recipe - featured image

A quick, budget-friendly chicken stir-fry that combines juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce for a comforting family meal ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 medium bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken by combining thinly sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil in a medium bowl. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Prepare the sauce by whisking together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (if using), and 1/4 cup chicken broth or water in a small bowl. Set aside.
  3. Chop the vegetables: thinly slice bell pepper and carrot, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, mince garlic, grate ginger, and chop green onions.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add marinated chicken in a single layer and sear without moving for about 2 minutes. Stir and cook until golden and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes total. Remove chicken and set aside.
  5. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add carrots and broccoli and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Then add bell pepper and green onions and cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.
  7. Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions if desired, and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Keep heat high but controlled to avoid burning. Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming. Marinate chicken to tenderize and get a crispy sear. Prepare all ingredients before cooking for smooth workflow. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and omit oyster sauce if unsure.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken stir-fry, easy dinner, budget-friendly, quick meal, family meal, stir-fry recipe, healthy dinner